Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Israel is unjustified in revoking the visas of Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority. Photo: National Press Club.
Diplomatic tensions between Australia and Israel have heightened following tit-for-tat visa cancellations and Canberra’s intention to formally recognise Palestine.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has cancelled the visa for far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman ahead of scheduled speaking appearances at several Jewish schools and synagogues in Australia.
Mr Burke said the Federal Government takes a hard line against anyone who wants to come to Australia to spread hate.
“If you are coming to Australia to spread a message of hate and division, we don’t want you here,” he said.
“Under our government, Australia will be a country where everyone can be safe and feel safe.”
An Australian visa has previously been denied to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked.
Mr Rothman, who is strongly opposed to a two-state solution in the Middle East and denies there is any starvation in Gaza, has responded by saying Australia was blocking free and open political discourse.
He said the Australian Government’s decision was driven by antisemitism, and that it needed to decide if it was on the side of Israel or of the terrorist group Hamas.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar was highly critical of the Albanese government’s move and has revoked the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority.
The Israeli Minister took to social media to express his outrage at Australia.
“I decided to revoke the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority,” he said in a post on X.
“The Australian ambassador to Israel was just notified on the matter. I also instructed the Israeli embassy in Canberra to carefully examine any official Australian visa application for entry to Israel.
“While antisemitism is raging in Australia, including manifestations of violence against Jews and Jewish institutions, the Australian Government is choosing to fuel it by false accusations, as if the visit of Israeli figures will disrupt public order and harm Australia’s Muslim population.
“It is shameful and unacceptable!”
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong, however, described the Israeli Government’s reaction as unjustified.
“At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution,” Senator Wong said in a statement.
“This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia’s decision to recognise Palestine.
“We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.
“Australia welcomes different races, religions and views, united by respect for each other’s humanity and for each other’s right to live in peace.
“We safeguard our communities and protect all Australians from hate and harm.
“The Australian Government will always take decisive action against antisemitism.”
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley described it as a sad development.
“I really regret the way that the relationship between the Albanese government and the government of Israel is deteriorating,” Ms Ley said.
“That is something all Australians should be very sad about today.
“Israel is a liberal democracy in the Middle East, and we should be supporting them as that liberal democracy.
“And the steps that the Albanese government has taken over recent days and weeks certainly have not demonstrated that.”
Shadow foreign minister Michaelia Cash said Labor had “badly mishandled” the relationship with Israel at a time when careful diplomacy is more important than ever.
“Instead of maintaining trust with Israel – one of our closest democratic allies – Labor has recklessly inflamed tensions and undermined Australia’s credibility,” Senator Cash said.
“Having a different opinion to the Albanese Government is not grounds for a visa cancellation. Australia should welcome debate and engagement – not shut it down because Labor disagrees with someone’s politics.”
Coalition frontbencher James Paterson also bought into the saga, saying while he disagreed with much of Mr Rotham’s views, it is a “very big call” to block a visa of a visiting member of another country’s parliament.
“There’s no question that Australia’s bilateral relationship with Israel is the worst it has ever been since the creation of the state of Israel following World War II,” Senator Paterson said.
“My question is, did Tony Burke discuss the diplomatic implications of that decision with the Foreign Minister Penny Wong before he made it?
“Did he discuss it with the Prime Minister? Was the National Security Committee of Cabinet convened to discuss this?
“This is not a decision to be taken lightly, and all the implications should have been considered, and it’s not clear that that occurred.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently announced his intention for Australia to recognise Palestinian statehood at next month’s United Nations General Assembly.
